Title: I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Lori Wilde
Twilight, Texas Book Seven
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 416 pages
Book Rating: B
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Edelweiss
Summary:
Nothing says Christmas like New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde and Twilight, TX, and now Lori returns to Twilight for a brand new heartwarming holiday tale. The matchmaking members of the Cookie Club are up to their old tricks again!
Christmas in Twilight, Texas, is all merriment and mistletoe. The Cookie Club is whipping up their most festive sweets, the townspeople are scrambling to get their holiday shopping done, and Joe-a hometown guy with a restless heart-is dreaming about the woman he wants to kiss most…
…And who happens to be staying at his sister’s place over the holidays, while Joe’s sister is away. But Joe isn’t quite sure he wants to be a living Christmas present to runaway law student Gabi Preston.
Joe thinks the sassy sweetheart he nicknames “Trouble” won’t inconvenience anything but his healthy sex drive. But when he discovers the reasons Gabi escaped from her life, he aches to give her everything she’s never had. As the magic of the season draws them together, the gift of love is the only one worth giving…
Review:
I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Lori Wilde is a delightfully charming holiday romance. This seventh installment in the popular Twilight, Texas series is another heartwarming love story that old and new fans are going to love.
A startling realization about her career path is the impetus behind Gabi Preston’s decision to swap houses with an on line friend. Gabi wants to experience the picture perfect Christmas and the picturesque town of Twilight, Texas is just the place to celebrate the upcoming holiday. Gabi needs a little distance from her über successful and career oriented parents before breaking the news that she is not finishing her degree. After years of blending into the background and putting others’ needs ahead of her own, she is also hoping to discover her true authentic self while she tries to decide what she wants out of life. Gabi is a little ill prepared for the rather rustic living arrangements awaiting her but luckily, sexy Joe Cheek is close by to teach her all she needs to know about life in the country.
Gabi is a little reserved and quiet but she is also very kind and quite compassionate. She does not like to rock the boat and she always does what is expected of her. She loves her parents but they are not very close and while she does not want to upset them, Gabi knows it is time for her to decide her future based on her desires not theirs. She quickly begins to make friends in Twilight and as she takes over her fellow swapper’s volunteer duties, Gabi begins to get a sense of what she wants for herself both professionally and personally.
Joe has lived an interesting and eclectic life as he travels from place to place working different jobs. Despite his wanderlust, he is close to his family and after his grandfather’s accident, Joe drops everything to return to Twilight to run the family Christmas tree farm. He has a bit of a bad boy past but he is caring and loyal to his friends and family. Although he is quite happy working the farm, Joe is not sure that he is ready to settle down and stay in one place. As circumstances change with his family, Joe is forced to take a close look at his lifestyle as he tries to decide if it finally time to put down roots.
Both Joe and Gabi are instantly attracted to one another, but since her stay in Twilight is temporary, they are hesitant to act on their desire. Once they decide to indulge in a no strings fling, complications arise when Joe’s past collides with his present and Gabi becomes aware of his reputation when it comes to the ladies in town. Gabi’s impending departure is always in the forefront of both of their minds and although their feelings for one another begin to deepen, she still plans on leaving. Once she deals with the unresolved issues from her past, will Gabi decide to follow her heart?
I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Lori Wilde is a sweet yet sensual romance. The plot is a little predictable at times but there are enough unexpected twists that the storyline remains fresh and engaging. The cast of characters is appealing and easy to like. The romance between Joe and Gabi is an absolute joy to watch unfold and although there are obstacles in their way, they manage to figure out how to make their relationship work. This beautiful holiday story is sure to be a hit with old and new readers of the Twilight, Texas series and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys small town contemporary romances.
